WASHINGTON, D.C. — The first full day of the first federal government shutdown since 2013 was a day of wondering what impact would be felt in West Virginia and other states if the shutdown stretches into the work week.
According to national reports, Trump administration Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told the heads of federal agencies Saturday to get ready for the shutdown to still be in effect Monday.
Immigration remained the key sticking point Saturday between Senate leaders.
Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation responded Saturday in a handful of statements released by their offices.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. House members David McKinley and Evan Jenkins released a joint statement:
It’s time for Senate Democrats to set aside partisanship and work with us to reopen the government, pay our troops, and pass a long-term CHIP reauthorization. My joint statement with @RepEvanJenkins and @RepMcKinley –> https://t.co/wKtE4RIrEK
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) January 20, 2018
Both Jenkins and McKinley informed U.S. House officials that they would not accept pay during the shutdown. U.S. Joe Manchin introduced legislation Friday that said Congress shouldn’t be paid during the shutdown.
As long as our men and women in uniform aren’t being paid, I will refuse to draw my salary. @SenateDems do the responsible thing and pass the funding bill. #SchumerShutdown pic.twitter.com/DORetUnQev
— David B. McKinley (@RepMcKinley) January 20, 2018
As long as our men and women in uniform are not receiving pay for their service to our nation and my constituents are not receiving the services of the federal government, I will not accept any pay for the duration of this shutdown. #SchumerShutdown pic.twitter.com/a2PPeIWwwu
— Rep. Evan Jenkins (@RepEvanJenkins) January 20, 2018
Manchin was one of only five Democrats in the Senate to vote in favor of continued funding Friday night. His office released a government shutdown question and answer sheet Saturday.
Governing this way is dangerous for our country & I’m doing everything I can to ensure this #shutdown ends swiftly. Do you have questions about how this shutdown will impact you & your family in #WV? This Q&A may be helpful.
https://t.co/CSqvrOpMYc— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) January 20, 2018
The information said residents would continue to receive their government benefits, post offices would remain open along with federal courts, airports and VA hospitals. The information said most federal office buildings would likely be closed during the shutdown. The passport office along with national parks and monuments were maybes.
West Virginia Second District Congressman Alex Mooney, who was one of 11 House Republicans to vote against the continuing resolution Thursday night, lashed out at Senate Democrats in a statement issued Saturday.
“This shutdown falls squarely on the shoulders of Chuck “Shutdown” Schumer and most Senate Democrats who refuse to allow open and honest debate on measures funding the government. I hope that we can return Congress to regular order and fund government the way our Founders intended,” Mooney said.